One of the biggest problems is the lack of new effective antibiotics, as pathogens are increasingly resistant to conventional drugs. This crisis is exacerbated by long development times for new antibiotics and the high costs associated with bringing new drugs to market. To overcome resistance, high-dose or combination therapy can be attempted, but there is a risk of harmful or even toxic effects. Alternative or less frequently used antibiotics are in some cases a chance to combat an infection with resistant pathogens. However, such "drugs of last resort" should be used as rarely as possible to prevent further development of resistance (“the more you use it, the quicker you lose it”). Complementary therapies, e.g. strengthening the immune response, are currently being tested.

DeliCat
Poorly healing wounds infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria require innovative treatments and wound dressings for the benefit of patients. Cold plasma therapy is a promising new treatment method. The electrically generated plasma supplies energy to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have antibacterial and wound-healing properties. However, the plasma also transmits other high-energy species and its effect is limited in time. Empa researchers are therefore working on optimizing cold plasma therapy: An indirect supply of ROS, for example through plasma-activated hydrogels, represents an interesting alternative. The DeliCat project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), aims at expanding this indirect approach by developing a catalytically active transport layer that enables the customized delivery of ROS over a longer period of time.
DeliCat - Delivery of Reactive Oxygen Species through a Catalytic Transport Layer

Living antimicrobial materials
Biofilms of mucus and microorganisms often form in chronic wounds, hindering healing and protecting bacteria from the body's immune defense. Conventional treatments such as removing the wound edges and cleaning with strong antiseptic agents can damage healthy tissue and thus promote antibiotic resistance. As part of the Living antimicrobial materials project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Empa researchers are developing an alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of chronic wounds and biofilm-related infections. The researchers are investigating the use of probiotic “good” bacteria and bacteriophages, which are encapsulated in a carrier material to increase their effectiveness. The aim is to eliminate harmful bacteria and promote tissue regeneration.
SNF: Partnership against Biofilm-associated Expression, Acquisition and Transmission of AMR
Advanced Healthcare Materials: An Injectable Living Hydrogel with Embedded Probiotics as a Novel Strategy for Combating Multifaceted Pathogen Wound Infections

Nanovision
Endophthalmitis is a rare but serious disease that can occur after eye surgery. The inflammation of the inside of the eye leads to irreversible retinal damage and even loss of vision, especially in cases of infections with AMR bacteria. Treatment options are currently limited. The aim of the Nanovision project, funded by Empa's Heinz A. Oertli Fund, is to develop a nanomedicine that combines several antimicrobial components and can be injected directly. The aim is to effectively eliminate resistant bacteria and protect the eye tissue at the same time.
 

NOVA
Preventing the transmission of infectious diseases in everyday life — whether in transportation, touch screens, or biomedical settings — is crucial to combating the spread of novel pathogens. The Next Generation BiOactiVe NAnocoatings (NOVA) project at Empa is dedicated to developing and ensuring the biocompatibility of nanostructured antimicrobial coatings. Funded by the European Commission, the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), this project aims to produce scalable and safe antimicrobial coatings to tackle future pandemics.
NOVA | Home

RIC-2D
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 virus has posed a significant global health challenge, making it crucial to find novel and feasible solutions to halt the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Engineers are re-examining ventilation and filtration strategies, incorporating additional filters, coatings, and reagents, which result in more complex systems to operate and maintain. The RIC-2D project is at the forefront of advancing graphene-based materials into the next technological frontier. Funded by Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, this project aims to utilize graphene-based materials for air purification. Empa is contributing to the engineering of antimicrobial ventilator systems, focusing on their design, antiviral activity, and biocompatibility.

Silver polymer fibers
Empa researchers are developing nanocomposites made of silver and polymer fibers. The specially optimized process is designed to work without solvents and nanomaterial precursors, making it environmentally friendly and industrially scalable. The goal: antimicrobial materials based on silver-containing nanocomposites.
Polymer-assisted in-situ thermal reduction of silver precursors: A solventless route for silver nanoparticles-polymer composites